Transformable seat assembly

ABSTRACT

A transformable seat assembly includes a seat support structure and a back support structure connected to the seat support structure with a hinge defining an axis of rotation. An actuator assembly includes a cylinder and a piston positioned within the cylinder, wherein the cylinder is secured to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and the piston is secured to other of the one of the back support structure or the seat support structure. Additionally a blocking member is positioned within and adjustable along the cylinder. With blocking member in a first position, piston is limited to travel to a first limit position and the back support structure to a first reclined position. With the blocking member in a second position, piston is limited to travel to a second limit position and back support structure is permitted to rotate to second reclined position.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to seats and more particularly to adjusting of aconfiguration of a seat in relationship to a seat positioned adjacent tothe seat.

BACKGROUND

Seat occupant comfort is a priority in areas which provide organizedseating arrangements. Organized seating, for example provides a seatwherein another seat is positioned in front of the seat and yet anotherseat is positioned behind the seat. Such organized seating arrangementscan be found in, for example, transportation vehicles such as trains,buses or airplanes, as well as, for example, in auditoriums andtheaters. As the organized seating becomes occupied, non-occupiedadjacent seats can result in being positioned in front of and/or behinda seat which is occupied. It would be beneficial to provide an occupantof a seat, which has an adjacent non-occupied seat, positioned in frontof and/or behind the occupied seat, the ability to optimize use ofpotential usable space provided by the non-occupied adjacent seat so asto provide additional comfort opportunities for the occupant.

SUMMARY

An example includes a transformable seat assembly, which includes a seatsupport structure and a back support structure, which is connected tothe seat support structure with a hinge, wherein the hinge defines anaxis of rotation. The transformable seat assembly further includes anactuator assembly which includes a cylinder and a piston positionedwithin the cylinder. The cylinder is secured to one of the back supportstructure or the seat support structure and the piston is secured toother of the one of the back support structure or the seat supportstructure. A blocking member is positioned within and adjustable alongthe cylinder. With the blocking member in a first position, the blockingmember limits linear travel of the piston in a first direction to afirst limit position of the piston such that rotational travel of theback support structure about the axis of rotation is limited fromrotating the back support structure beyond a first reclined position.With the blocking member in a second position, the blocking memberpermits linear travel of the piston in the first direction beyond thefirst limit position of the piston such that rotational travel of theback support structure about the axis of rotation is permitted to rotatebeyond the first reclined position to a second reclined position.

An example includes a method for transforming a transformable seatassembly which includes a step of moving a blocking member from a firstposition to a second position with the blocking member positioned withina cylinder of an actuator assembly, which includes the cylinder and apiston positioned within the cylinder. The transformable seat assemblyincludes a seat support structure connected to a back support structurewith a hinge, which defines an axis of rotation. The cylinder is securedto one of the back support structure or the seat support structure andthe piston is secured to other of the one of the back support structureor the seat support structure. With the blocking member in a firstposition, the blocking member limits linear travel of the piston in afirst direction to a first limit position of the piston such thatrotational travel of the back support structure about the axis ofrotation is limited from rotating the back support structure beyond afirst reclined position. With the blocking member in a second position,the blocking member permits linear travel of the piston in the firstdirection beyond the first limit position of the piston such thatrotational travel of the back support structure about the axis ofrotation rotate is permitted beyond the first reclined position to asecond reclined position. The method further includes a step of rotatingthe back support structure about the axis of rotation to the secondreclined position.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yetother embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference tothe following description and drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation schematic view of a first example of atransformable seat assembly which is occupied and positioned in anupright position with an unoccupied seat assembly positioned adjacent toand behind the occupied transformable seat assembly;

FIG. 2 is the view of the transformable seat assembly of FIG. 1 with thefirst example of the occupied transformable seat assembly in a firstreclined position;

FIG. 3 is the view of the transformable seat assembly of FIG. 1 with thefirst example of the occupied transformable seat assembly in a secondreclined position beyond the first reclined position of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for transforming the first example ofthe transformable seat assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation schematic view of a second example of atransformable seat assembly which is unoccupied and is positioned in anupright position with an occupied seat assembly positioned behind andadjacent to the second example of the transformable seat assembly;

FIG. 7 is the view of the second example of the transformable seatassembly of FIG. 6 with the transformable seat assembly in a firstreclined position;

FIG. 8 is the view of the second example of the transformable seatassembly of FIG. 6 with a back support structure rotated forwardproviding extended leg room for the occupant of the occupied seatassembly positioned behind and adjacent to the second example of thetransformable seat assembly;

FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9C is an enlarged view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for transforming the second exampleof the transformable seat assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation schematic view of a first embodiment of athird example of a transformable seat assembly which is unoccupied andan occupant occupying a seat assembly positioned behind and adjacent tothe third example of the transformable seat assembly;

FIG. 12 is the view of the first embodiment of the third example of thetransformable seat assembly of FIG. 11 with a lumbar cushion removedfrom the unoccupied the transformable seat assembly and the seat of thetransformable seat assembly rotated forward providing the occupant ofthe seat assembly positioned behind and adjacent to the first embodimentof the third example of the transformable seat assembly more usable kneeroom;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation schematic view of a fourth example of atransformable seat assembly which is unoccupied and an occupantoccupying a seat assembly positioned behind and adjacent to the fourthexample of the transformable seat assembly;

FIG. 14 is the view of the fourth example of the transformable seatassembly of FIG. 13 wherein a wall member with a lumbar cushion securedto the wall member rotates relative to a back support structure and aseat rotates relative to a seat support structure;

FIG. 15 is the view of the fourth example of the transformable seatassembly of FIG. 14 wherein the wall member with the lumbar cushion andthe seat have fully rotated providing the occupant occupying the seatassembly positioned behind and adjacent to the fourth example of thetransformable seat assembly an ability to extend their legs onto a seatsupport of the fourth example of the transformable seat assembly;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a method for transforming the fourth exampleof the transformable seat assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation schematic view of a second embodiment of thethird example of the transformable seat assembly with a seat rotatedrelative to a seat support structure;

FIG. 18 is a view of the second embodiment of the third example of thetransformable seat assembly of FIG. 17 with a lumbar cushion removedproviding an occupant, of a seat assembly positioned behind and adjacentto the second embodiment of the third example of the transformable seatassembly, the ability to extend their legs and support their legs with aseat support structure of the second embodiment of the thirdtransformable seat assembly;

FIG. 19 is a schematic rear perspective view of the second embodiment ofthe third example of the transformable seat assembly of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 20 a flow chart of a method for transforming the third example ofthe transformable seat assembly.

DESCRIPTION

In referring to FIGS. 1-3, first example of transformable seat assembly10 includes seat support structure 12 and back support structure 14.Back support structure 14 is connected to seat support structure 12 withhinge 16, which defines an axis of rotation 17. Seat support structure12 can be constructed of one or more parts which provide support for anoccupant of transformable seat assembly 10. Similarly, back supportstructure 14 can be constructed of one or more parts which provide backsupport to an occupant of transformable seat assembly 10. Actuatorassembly 18 includes cylinder 20 and piston 22 with piston 22 positionedwithin cylinder 20, as seen schematically in FIGS. 4A-4C, whichcorrespond to actuator assembly 18 as positioned with respect totransformable seat 10 as seen in FIGS. 1-3, respectively. Cylinder 20 issecured to one of back support structure 14 or seat support structure12. In this example cylinder 20 is secured to seat support structure 12.Piston 22 is secured to the other of the one of back support structure14 or seat support structure 12. In this example, piston 22 is securedto back support structure 14. Back support structure 14 is shownschematically in FIG. 1 in an upright position U.

Blocking member 24 is positioned within and adjustable along cylinder20. Blocking member 24, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 and as shown in FIGS.4A and 4B respectively, is shown in first position 26, wherein firstposition 26 is the same position for transformable seat assembly 10 inFIGS. 4A and 4B. In FIG. 1, in this example, back support structure 14is positioned in upright position U. This upright position U correspondsin this example with piston 22, as seen in FIG. 4A, positioned at end 58of cylinder 20. Back support structure 14, for example, is locked inposition with traditional locking and unlocking engagements for a seatassembly, which can be found, for example, in use such as within anaircraft passenger seat. The occupant can sit down on transformable seatassembly 10 and the occupant can choose to recline back supportstructure 14 or not to do so. The occupant at that time can push anactuator button, not shown, which can unlock a locking securement ofback support structure 14 and allow occupant to rotate back supportstructure 14 in direction R as shown in FIG. 2 to first reclinedposition FR, which can be limited, in some examples, to several inchesso as not to overly intrude into space occupied by any occupant ofsecond seat assembly 32 positioned behind and adjacent to transformableseat assembly 10. First reclined position FR for back support structure14 is attained, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 4B, with piston 22 travelingwithin cylinder 20 in first direction 28 to first limit position 30 ofpiston 22 with piston 22 coming into abutting relationship with blockingmember 24. In piston 22 traveling in first direction 28 to abut blockingmember 24, rotational travel of back support structure 14 about axis ofrotation 17 is permitted in direction R and back support structure 14 islimited from rotating beyond first reclined position FR with piston 22coming into abutting relationship with blocking member 24.

In some examples, a displacement of back support structure 14 may beonly a few inches, as mentioned above, dependent on the proximity ofsecond seat assembly 32 positioned, in this example, behind and adjacentto transformable seat assembly 10. However, should second seat assembly32 be unoccupied, the rotational displacement of back support structure14 can be permitted to allow an occupant of transformable seat assembly10 to occupy additional space associated with second seat assembly 32.This can allow the occupant of transformable seat assembly 10 theopportunity to optimize their comfort with respect to transformable seatassembly 10. As seen in FIG. 3, with second seat assembly 32 unoccupiedand with blocking member 24 in second position 33, as seen in FIG. 4C,wherein blocking member 24 is now positioned further down or recessedwithin cylinder 20, blocking member 24 permits linear travel of piston22 in first direction 28 beyond first limit position 30 of piston 22, ofFIG. 4B, such that rotational travel in direction R′ of back supportstructure 14, as seen in FIG. 3, can take place rotating back supportstructure 14, about axis of rotation 17, beyond first reclined positionFR to second reclined position SR. Second reclined position SR isgreater in rotational displacement from upright position U than firstreclined position FR and provides occupant an opportunity to useunoccupied space associated with second seat assembly 32.

In this example, transformable seat assembly 10 further includes seatcushion 34 positioned overlying seat support frame 36 of seat supportstructure 12 as seen in FIGS. 1-3. Transformable seat assembly 10further includes back cushion 38 and lumbar cushion 40 positionedoverlying back support structure 14. The configuration of transformableseat assembly 10 with respect to the cushions and seat and back supportstructures are known components to transformable seat assembly 10,wherein seat support structure 12 is a frame assembly, as mentionedearlier being constructed of one or more parts, which provides supportto the occupant with the occupant sitting on seat cushion 34 and backsupport structure 14 is a support structure, as mentioned earlier beingconstructed of one or more parts, which provides support to theoccupant's back while occupant is sitting in transformable seat assembly10. In this example, back support structure 14 provides support for backcushion 38 and lumbar cushion 40 providing additional comfort foroccupant's back while occupant resides in transformable seat assembly10.

Cylinder 20 of actuator assembly 18 is pivotally secured with pivotconnector 42 to one of back support structure 14 or seat supportstructure 12 and in this example, as shown in FIG. 1, pivot connector 42connects cylinder 20 to seat support structure 12. Piston 22 ispivotally secured with pivot connector 44 to one of back supportstructure 14 or seat support structure 12 and in this example, as shownin FIG. 1, pivot connector 44 connects piston 22 to back supportstructure 14. Pivot connector 42 provides for cylinder 20 to rotaterelative to seat support structure 12 with back support structure 14rotating about axis of rotation 17 and similarly pivot connector 44provides for piston 22 to rotate relative to back support structure 14with back support structure 14 rotating about axis of rotation 17.

In referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, blocking member 24 positioned withincylinder 20 further includes opening 46 defined by blocking member 24which extends within and along length L of blocking member 24. Aplurality of threads (not shown) defined by blocking member 24 arepositioned along surface S of opening 46 within blocking member 24.Threaded shaft 48 is associated with opening 46 defined by blockingmember 24, wherein threaded shaft 48 defines a plurality of threads (notshown) compatible with the plurality of threads (not shown) defined byblocking member 24.

The plurality of threads (not shown) of a first end portion 50 ofthreaded shaft 48 engage the plurality of threads (not shown) defined byblocking member 24. Second end portion 52 of threaded shaft 48 isconnected to motor 54 which imparts rotation to threaded shaft 48 whichresults in linear movement of blocking member 24 along cylinder 20. Withrotation of threaded shaft 48 by motor 54 in first rotational direction55, for example as seen in FIG. 4B, blocking member 24 moves from firstposition 26 toward second position 33, as seen in FIG. 4C. With rotationof threaded shaft 48 by motor 54 in second rotational direction 57, forexample as seen in FIG. 4C, blocking member 24 moves from secondposition 33 toward first position 26, as seen in FIGS. 4A and B.

As seen for example in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in FIGS. 4A and 4Brespectively, blocking member 24 is in first position 26. With blockingmember 24 in first position 26, back support structure 14 oftransformable seat assembly 10 is permitted to rotate about axis ofrotation 17 between upright position U and first reclined position FR.With blocking member 24 moved to second position 33, as seen in FIG. 4C,wherein blocking member 24 is positioned in a lower position, in thisexample, within cylinder 20 than blocking member 24 was in firstposition 26, as seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, back support structure 14 oftransformable seat assembly 10 is permitted to operate between uprightposition U and second reclined position SR. Second reclined position SRis a position for the occupant to be closer to a prone position thanfirst reclined position FR. Occupant having an opportunity to attainsecond reclined position SR provides the occupant an opportunity tooptimize use of usable space provided by unoccupied second seat assembly32 and at the same time optimize the occupant's comfort.

In referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, first position 26 of blocking member 24being first distance 56 from end 58 of cylinder 20 such that with pistonpositioned at end 58 of cylinder 20, as mentioned earlier, back supportstructure 14 is in upright position U. With blocking member 24 in secondposition 33 as seen in FIG. 4C, blocking member 24 is second distance 60from end 58 of cylinder 20. Second distance 60 from end 58 is greater inthis example than first distance 56. Blocking member 24 being positionedfurther from end 58 permits piston 22 to travel further within cylinder20 resulting in back support structure 14 attaining second reclinedposition SR providing the occupant of transformable seat assembly 10 anopportunity to recline further and attain more comfort.

In referring to FIG. 5, method 53 of transforming a transformable seatassembly 10 includes step 59 of moving blocking member 24 from a firstposition to a second position with the blocking member 24 positionedwithin cylinder 20 of actuator assembly 18, which includes cylinder 20and piston 22 positioned within cylinder 20. As seen in FIGS. 1-4C,transformable seat assembly 10 includes seat support structure 12connected to back support structure 14 with hinge 16, which defines anaxis of rotation 17. Cylinder 20 is secured to one of back supportstructure 14 or seat support structure 12 and piston 22 is secured tothe other of the one of back support structure 14 or the seat supportstructure 12. With blocking member 24 in first position 26, blockingmember 24 limits linear travel of piston 22 in first direction 28 tofirst limit position 30 of piston 22 such that rotational travel of theback support structure 14 about axis of rotation 17 is limited fromrotating back support structure 14 beyond first reclined position FR.With blocking member 24 in second position 33, blocking member 24permits linear travel of piston 22 in first direction 28 beyond firstlimit position 30 of piston 22 such that rotational travel of backsupport structure 14 about axis of rotation 17 is permitted beyond firstreclined position FR to second reclined position SR. Method 53 furtherincludes step 61 of rotating back support structure 14 about axis ofrotation 17 to the second reclined position SR.

As mentioned earlier, transformable seat assembly 10 further includesseat cushion 34 positioned in overlying relationship to seat supportstructure 12 and includes back cushion 38 and lumbar cushion 40positioned in overlying relationship to back support structure 14. Inaddition, cylinder 20 is pivotally secured to one of back supportstructure 14 or seat support structure 12 and piston 22 is pivotallysecured to the other of the one of the back support structure 14 or theseat support structure 12. With rotating back support structure 14 aboutaxis of rotation 17 the pivotal securement permits cylinder 20 topivotally rotate relative to the one of the back support structure 14 orthe seat support structure 12 and permits piston 22 to pivotally rotaterelative to the other of the one of the back support structure 14 or theseat support structure 12.

Step 59 of moving the blocking member 24 positioned within the cylinder20 further includes activating motor 54 to rotate threaded shaft 48, asseen in FIGS. 4A-4C. Blocking member 24 defines opening 46, whichextends within and along length L of blocking member 24. Plurality ofthreads (not shown) defined by blocking member 24 are positioned alongsurface S of opening 46 within blocking member 24. Threaded shaft 48,associated with the opening 46 defined by blocking member 24, definesplurality of threads (not shown) compatible with the plurality ofthreads (not shown) defined by blocking member 24. Plurality of threads(not shown) of first end portion 50 of threaded shaft 48 engages theplurality of threads (not shown) defined by blocking member 24 andsecond end portion 52 of threaded shaft 48 is connected to motor 54.Rotation of threaded shaft 48 imparts linear movement of blocking member24 along cylinder 20. With rotating threaded shaft 48 in a firstrotational direction 55, for example as seen in FIG. 4B, blocking member24 moves from first position 26 to second position 33, as seen in FIG.4C. With blocking member 24 in second position 33, as seen in FIG. 4C,and with rotating threaded shaft in second rotational direction 57, forexample as seen in FIG. 4C, results in moving blocking member 24 fromsecond position 33 to first position 26 of either FIG. 4A or 4B.

In referring to FIGS. 6-8 second example of transformable seat assembly62 includes seat support structure 12 and back support structure 14connected to seat support structure 12 with hinge 16, which defines anaxis of rotation 17. Actuator assembly 18′ includes cylinder 20′ andpiston 22′ positioned within cylinder 20′. Cylinder 20′ is secured toone of back support structure 14 or seat support structure 12. In thisexample cylinder 20′ is secured to seat support structure 12. Piston 22′is secured to the other of the one of back support structure 14 or seatsupport structure 12 and in this example is secured to back supportstructure 14. In this second example, seat assembly 62 has actuatorassembly 18′ wherein cylinder 20′ is pivotally secured to one of backsupport structure 14 or seat support structure 12 and in this examplecylinder 20′ is pivotally secured to seat support structure 12 withpivot connector 42. In this second example, seat assembly 62 hasactuator assembly 18′ wherein piston 22′ is pivotally secured to one ofback support structure 14 or seat support structure 12 and in thisexample piston 22′ is pivotally secured to back support structure 14with pivot connector 44.

Blocking member 24′ is positioned within and adjustable along cylinder20′. Blocking member 24′, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, is shown in firstposition 26′, wherein first position 26′ is the same position for secondexample of seat assembly 62 in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In FIG. 6, in thisexample, back support structure 14 is positioned in upright position U.Back support structure 14, for example, is locked in position withtraditional locking and unlocking engagements for such second example oftransformable seat assembly 62, which can be found in use as mentionedabove within an aircraft passenger seat for example. An occupant can sitdown on transformable seat assembly 62 and the occupant can choose torecline back support structure 14. At that time the occupant can push anactuator button, not shown, which can unlock a locking securement ofback support structure 14 and allow occupant to rotate back supportstructure 14, about axis of rotation 17 of hinge 16 in direction R asseen in FIG. 7 to first reclined position FR. With transformable seatassembly 62 positioned in upright position U, as seen in FIG. 6, piston22′ is positioned abutting blocking member 24′ as seen in FIG. 9A. Withblocking member 24′ in first position 26′, piston 22′ has piston head23′ is permitted to travel between abutting blocking member 24′ in firstlimit position 30′ limiting linear travel of piston 22′ in firstdirection 28 and end 58 of cylinder 20′ spaced apart in an opposingsecond direction 66 from blocking member 24′, such that with piston head23′ traveling to end 58 of cylinder 20′, rotational travel of the backsupport structure 14, about axis of rotation 17, is limited fromrotating back support structure 14 beyond first reclined position FR, asseen in FIG. 7.

In second example of transformable seat assembly 62, an occupant can sitdown and choose to recline back support structure 14. At that time,occupant, as mentioned above, can push an actuator button, not shown,which unlocks a locking securement of back support structure 14 andallows occupant to rotate back support structure 14 in direction R asshown in FIG. 7 to first reclined position FR. However, with seatassembly 62 being unoccupied, with blocking member 24′ in secondposition 33′ as seen in FIG. 9C, blocking member 24′ permits lineartravel of piston 22′ in first direction 28 relative to cylinder 20′beyond first limiting position 30′ such that rotational travel of backsupport structure 14, about axis of rotation 17, rotates into overlyingposition 68, as seen in FIG. 8, relative to seat support structure 12.With back support structure 14 in overlying position with respect toseat support structure 12, occupant of seat assembly 64 is provided anopportunity to extend their legs outwardly and rest them upon backsupport structure 14. The rotation of back support structure 14 providesoccupant of seat assembly 64 an opportunity to utilize unused space ofunoccupied transformable seat assembly 62 to optimize comfort tooccupant of seat assembly 64.

As earlier mentioned seat cushion 34 is in an overlying position to seatsupport structure 12 and back cushion 38 and lumbar cushion 40 is in anoverlying position relative to back support structure 14. Lumbar cushion40, in this example, is releasably secured to at least one of backcushion 38 or back support structure 14. Releasable securement can beachieved by one of a number of securement arrangements such as forexample with snaps or by way of a sheet of one of a plurality offlexible hooks or loops secured to lumbar cushion and another sheet ofother of the plurality of flexible hooks or loops secured to at leastone of the back support structure 14 or back cushion 38. Bringing thesesheets together engage the plurality of flexible hooks and loopsproviding a releasable securement. This releasable securement can permitremoval of lumbar cushion 40, as seen removed in FIG. 8, which permitspositioning back support structure 14 in overlying position overlyingseat support structure 12 without lumbar cushion 40 providing anyobstruction to attaining the overlying position 68. With lumbar cushion40 removed from the overlying position with respect to back supportstructure 14 and back support structure 14 is rotated about axis ofrotation 17 and positioned in overlying relationship with respect to theseat support structure 12, back cushion 38 is positioned in contact withseat cushion 34 providing a desirable elevation for which legs ofoccupant of seat assembly 64 can rest upon back support structure 14 oftransformable seat assembly 62.

In addition, cylinder 20′ is pivotally secured to one of back supportstructure 14 or seat support structure 12. Piston 22′ is pivotallysecured to one of the other of the back support structure 14 or seatsupport structure 12. The pivotal securement permits rotation ofcylinder 20′, in this example, relative to seat support structure 12with back support structure rotating about axis of rotation 17 andpermits rotation of piston 22′, in this example, relative to backsupport structure 14 with back support structure 14 rotating about axisof rotation 17, as seen in FIG. 8.

To attain the positions of back support structure 14 to be in uprightposition U, first reclined position FR and an overlying position 68relative to seat support structure 12 as shown in FIGS. 8-9C, blockingmember 24′ of actuator assembly 18′ includes opening 69 defined byblocking member 24′, which extends along length L′ and through blockingmember 24′. A plurality of threads (not shown) defined by blockingmember 24′ are positioned along surface S′ of opening 69 within blockingmember 24′. Threaded shaft 48′ associated with the plurality of threads(not shown) defined by blocking member 24′, wherein threaded shaft 48′defines plurality of threads (not shown) compatible with the pluralityof threads (not shown) defined by blocking member 24′. First end portion70 of threaded shaft 48′, as seen in FIGS. 9A-C, engages the pluralityof threads (not shown) defined by blocking member 24′. Second endportion 72 of threaded shaft 48′ is connected to motor 54, which impartsrotation to threaded shaft 48′ resulting in linear movement of blockingmember 24′ along cylinder 20′. In addition, in this example, piston 22′defines opening 74 which extends within and along length L1 of piston22′. With motor 54 activated to rotate threaded shaft 48′ in firstrotational direction 55′, in this example as seen in FIG. 9B, blockingmember 24′ travels from first position 26′ to second position 33′ asseen in FIG. 9C. With piston head 23′ abutting blocking member 24′ andblocking member 24′ moving toward second position 33′, threaded shaft48′ extends through and beyond opening 69 in blocking member 24′, asseen in FIG. 9C, and into opening 74 defined by piston 22′, whichextends within and along length L1 of piston 22′. With blocking member24′ in second position 33′ rotation of threaded shaft 48′ by motor 54 insecond rotational direction 57′, in this example as seen in FIG. 9C,moves blocking member 24′ along threaded shaft 48′ and toward firstposition 26′, as seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B. With blocking member 24′ infirst position 26′ with piston head 23′ in abutting relationship toblocking member 24′, back support structure 14 is positioned in uprightposition U, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 9A. With piston head 23′ positionedat end 58 of cylinder 20′, back support structure 14 is positioned infirst reclined position FR, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 9B. With piston head23′ abutting blocking member 24′ with blocking member in second position33′, as seen in FIG. 9C, back support structure 14 is in overlyingposition 68 with respect to seat support structure 12, as seen in FIG.8. With back support structure 14 in overlying position 68 with respectto seat support structure 12, occupant of seat assembly 64 can optimizetheir comfort with use of available space with seat assembly 62 beingunoccupied with resting their legs upon back support structure 14.

Method 71 for transforming transformable seat assembly 62, includes step73, as seen in FIG. 10, of moving blocking member 24′ positioned withincylinder 20′ of actuator assembly 18′, which includes cylinder 20′ andpiston 22′ having piston head 23′ positioned within cylinder 20′, fromfirst position 26′ to second position 33′. Transformable seat assembly62 includes seat support structure 12 connected to back supportstructure 14 with hinge 16, which defines axis of rotation 17. Cylinder20′ is secured to one of back support structure 14 or seat supportstructure 12 and piston 22′ is secured to the other of the one of theback support structure 14 or seat support structure 12. With blockingmember 24′ in first position 26′, piston head 23′ is permitted to travelbetween, abutting blocking member 24′ in a first limit position 30′limiting linear travel of piston 22′ in first direction 28 and end 58 ofcylinder 20′ positioned spaced apart in opposing second direction 66from blocking member 24′, such that with piston head 23′ traveling toend 58 of cylinder 20′, rotational travel of back support structure 14about axis of rotation 17 is limited from rotating back supportstructure 14 beyond first reclined position FR. Method 71 furtherincludes step 75 of rotating back support structure 14 about axis ofrotation 17 into an overlying position relative to the seat supportstructure 12 with blocking member 24′ in second position 33′ permittinglinear travel of piston 22′ in first direction 28 beyond first limitposition 30′.

Transformable seat assembly 62 further includes seat cushion 34positioned in overlying relationship to seat support structure 12 andback cushion 38 and lumbar cushion 40 positioned in overlyingrelationship to back support structure 14. Lumbar cushion 40, in thisexample, as described earlier is releasably secured to back supportstructure 14. Method 71 further includes, in this example, removinglumbar cushion 40 from back support structure 14 for facilitatingplacing back support structure 14 in overlying position 68 with respectto seat support structure 12 as earlier described.

With cylinder 20′ pivotally secured to one of back support structure 14or seat support structure 12 and piston 22′ pivotally secured to otherof the one of back support structure 14 or seat support structure 12,rotating back support structure 14 about axis of rotation 17 includescylinder 20′ pivotally rotating relative to the one of the back supportstructure 14 or seat support structure 12 and includes piston 22′pivotally rotating relative to the other of the one of the back supportstructure 14 or seat support structure 12.

Step 73 of moving blocking member 24′ positioned within cylinder 20′further includes activating motor 54 to rotate threaded shaft 48′.Opening 69 defined by blocking member 24′ extends along length L′ of andthrough blocking member 24′. Plurality of threads (not shown) which aredefined by blocking member 24′ are positioned along surface S′ ofopening 69 within blocking member 24′. Threaded shaft 48′, associatedwith the plurality of threads (not shown) defined by blocking member24′, defines plurality of threads (not shown) which are compatible withplurality of threads (not shown) defined by blocking member 24′.Plurality of threads (not shown) of first end portion 70 of threadedshaft 48′ engage the plurality of threads (not shown) defined byblocking member 24′ and a second end portion 72 of threaded shaft 48′ isconnected to motor 54, as seen in FIGS. 9A-C. Motor 54 imparts rotationto threaded shaft 48′ resulting in linear movement of blocking member24′ along threaded shaft 48′ and along cylinder 20′.

With rotating of threaded shaft 48′ by motor 54 in first rotationaldirection 55′, as seen for example in FIG. 9B, blocking member 24′ movesfrom first position 26′ to second position 33′ as seen in FIG. 9C. Withthe piston head 23′ abutting blocking member 24′ and blocking member 24′moving toward second position 33′, threaded shaft 48′ extends throughand beyond opening 69 in blocking member 24′ and into opening 74 whichextends within and along length L1 of piston 22′, as seen in FIG. 9C.With threaded shaft 48′ positioned within opening 69 of piston 22′, backsupport structure 14 is overlying position 68 with respect to seatsupport structure as seen in FIG. 8. With blocking member 24′ in secondposition 33′, as seen in FIG. 9C, rotation of threaded shaft 48′ bymotor 54 in second rotational direction 57′ moves blocking member 24′along threaded shaft 48′ and toward first position 26′ such that withblocking member 24′ in first position 26′, as seen in FIG. 9A, andpiston head 23′ abuts blocking member 24′, back support structure 14 ispositioned in upright position U, as seen in FIG. 6. With piston head23′ positioned at end 58 of cylinder 20′, as seen in FIG. 9B, backsupport structure 14, as seen in FIG. 7, is positioned in first reclinedposition FR. With piston head 23′ positioned abutting blocking member24′ with block member in second position 33′, back support structure 14is in overlying position 68 with respect to seat support structure 12such that occupant of seat assembly 64 can rest their legs upon backsupport structure 14 optimizing comfort to the occupant with utilizingunoccupied transformable seat assembly 62.

In referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a first embodiment of third example oftransformable seat assembly 76 is shown and in referring to FIGS. 17-19,a second embodiment of third example of transformable seat assembly 134is shown. In referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, transformable seat assembly76 includes seat support structure 12 and seat 78 connected to seatsupport structure 12 with hinge 80. Hinge 80 defines axis of rotation 79which provides for rotation of seat 78 in direction of rotation 91relative to seat support structure 12, as seen in FIG. 12. Back supportstructure 14 is connected to seat support structure 12 and extends inupward direction 82 relative to seat support structure 12. Back cushion38 is secured to back support structure 14 and lumbar cushion 40, asseen in FIG. 11, extends along back support structure 14 positionedbetween back cushion 38 and seat 78. Lumbar cushion 40 is releasablysecured to one of back cushion 38 and back support structure 14. Thisreleasable securement can be provided with, for example, use of a firstsheet (not shown) of a plurality of one of flexible hooks (not shown) orflexible loops (not shown) that is secured to lumbar cushion 40 andsecond sheet (not shown) of a plurality of the other of one of flexiblehooks (not shown) or flexible loops (not shown) that is secured to atleast one of back support structure 14 or back cushion 38 such thatfirst sheet (not shown) and the second sheet (not shown) releasablysecure to one another with engagement of the flexible loops and theflexible hooks. As a result, lumbar cushion 40 can maintain positionwith respect to transformable seat assembly 76 with transformable seatassembly 76 occupied and can be removed from back cushion 38 and/or backsupport structure 14 when transformable seat assembly 76 is unoccupiedand lumbar cushion 40 is not required.

End portion 84 of seat 78 is positioned closer to back support structure14 than hinge 80 with seat 78 positioned in an occupant support position87, as seen in FIG. 11 wherein seat 78 is in overlying relationship toseat support structure 12. End portion 84 of seat 78 can be rotated indirection of rotation 91 about axis of rotation 79 of hinge 80, as seenin FIG. 12, which includes upward direction 82 and direction 86 awayfrom back support structure 14. In first embodiment of third example oftransformable seat assembly 76, as seen in FIG. 12, with seat 78 rotatedfrom an occupant support position 87 and lumbar cushion 40 removedoccupant of seat assembly 92 removes seat 78 and lumbar cushion 40 as anobstacle to occupant of seat assembly 92. Occupant of seat assembly 92,as a result, acquires additional knee space and enhanced comfort tooccupant with transformable seat assembly 76 being unoccupied, as willbe described in more detail.

Seat 78 includes in this example, seat cushion 34 overlies and issupported with seat support frame 36 of seat support structure 12. Inthe first embodiment of third example of transformable third seatassembly 76, seat 78 includes first portion 88 and second portion 90separated by vertical plane V which extends through axis of rotation 79of hinge 80, as seen in FIG. 11. First portion 88 is positioned furtherfrom back support structure 14 than second portion 90, with seat 78 inoccupant support position 87. First portion 88 has a first weight andsecond portion 90 has a second weight such that the first weight isgreater than the second weight. Seat 78 can rotate in direction ofrotation 91, as seen in FIG. 12, to stop member 93 secured to seatsupport structure 12 and positioned within the travel of seat 78. Stopmember 93 blocks any further rotation of seat 78 and first weight offirst portion 88 of seat 78 maintains seat 78 in the rotated position asseen in FIG. 12.

Further included in this example, is connector member 81 which isconnected to back support structure 14 and is secured to second portion90 of seat 78. Connector member 81 can be constructed of a flexiblematerial such as nylon or other strong flexible material or can beconstructed of a more rigid material such as metal or plastic androtatably secured to second portion 90 of seat 78 and rotatably securedto back support structure 14. Connector member 81 can be used inaddition to or in replacement of stop member 93 to prevent over rotationof seat 78 with seat 78 rotated in direction of rotation 91.

With occupant positioned in seat assembly 92, which is positioned behindand adjacent to first embodiment of third example of transformable seatassembly 76, and first embodiment of third example of transformable seatassembly 76 is unoccupied, occupant of seat assembly 92 can have anoption of removal of lumbar cushion 40 and rotation of end portion 84 ofseat 78 in direction of rotation 91 about hinge 80. Seat 78 includes, inthis example and mentioned earlier, seat cushion 34 and seat supportframe 36 upon which the seat cushion 34 is supported and overlies.Removal of lumbar cushion 40 and rotation of seat 78, which includesseat cushion 34 and seat support frame 36, removes lumbar cushion 40 andseat 78 as obstacles with respect to occupant of seat assembly 92accessing usable space of transformable seat assembly 76 of FIG. 12.

In this first embodiment of the third example of transformable seatassembly 76, as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, with lumbar cushion 40 removedfrom between back cushion 38 and seat 78, access, as seen in FIG. 19, isprovided from back side BS of back support structure 14 to beyond frontside FS of back support structure 14 through an opening 151, as seen foran example in FIG. 19, defined by first support structure 95 spacedapart from second support structure 97 of back support structure 14. Inaddition with end portion 84 of seat 78 rotated in direction of rotation91 about hinge 80 from occupant support position 87, as seen in FIGS. 11and 12, access is provided to space end portion 84 of seat 78 occupiedprior to being rotated from occupant support position 87. Thistransformation of first embodiment of second example of transformableseat assembly 76 provides occupant of seat assembly 92 an opportunity,as mentioned earlier, to obtain more knee room and enhanced comfort withtransformable seat assembly 76 unoccupied.

In referring to FIGS. 17-18, second embodiment of third exampletransformable seat assembly 134 example is shown including seat supportstructure 12 and seat 98 connected to seat support structure 12 withhinge 136. Hinge 136 is positioned on front side portion F of seatsupport structure 12 spaced apart from back support structure 14 indirection 86 away from back support structure 14. Seat 98 includes firstend portion 138 which includes end portion 84 of seat 98 and secondopposing end portion 140. With seat 98 in an occupant support position141 as seen with respect to seat assembly 142 positioned behind andadjacent to transformable seat assembly 134, first end portion 138 ispositioned closer to back support structure 14 than second opposing endportion 140. With seat 98 of transformable seat assembly 134 in adeployed position 135 rotated from occupant support position 141 aboutaxis of rotation 137 of hinge 136, seat 98 extends in upward direction120 away from seat support structure 12. In this example, seat 98extends rotated in forward direction 86 beyond vertical plane V, as seenin FIG. 17. This position is resiliently maintained, in this example,with hinge 136 being torsion spring 144, wherein torsion spring 144includes first arm 146 abutting seat 98 and second arm 148 abutting seatsupport structure 12.

In this example, seat 98 unused or unoccupied will be positioned indeployed position 135 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Torsion spring 144will maintain seat 98 in the deployed position until an occupant sitsonto seat 98 rotating seat into occupied support position as seen withrespect to seat assembly 142 wherein seat 98 is positioned into occupantsupport position 141 such that seat 98 overlies seat support structure12 and seat support structure 12 provides support to the occupant andseat 98.

Second embodiment of third example of transformable seat assembly 134includes back cushion 38 overlying back support structure 14. Seat 98includes, in this example, seat cushion 34. Further included is lumbarcushion 40 positioned between back cushion 38 and seat cushion 34. Asdescribed earlier, lumbar cushion 40 is releasably secured to one ofback support structure 14 or back cushion 38. With transformable seatassembly 134 unoccupied, occupant in seat assembly 142 positioned behindand adjacent to transformable seat assembly 134 can choose to havelumbar cushion 40 removed, as seen in FIG. 18.

In this example seat support structure includes a support structure 150,as seen for example in FIG. 19. Support structure 150 is positionedbelow seat 98 with seat 98 in occupant support position 141 as shown forexample in FIGS. 17-19. Support structure 150 is accessible from a backside BS of back support structure 14 with lumbar cushion 40 removed, asseen in FIGS. 18 and 19, from back support structure 14 unblockingopening 151, as seen for example in FIG. 19, which is defined by firstsupport structure 95 spaced apart from second support structure 97 ofback support structure 14 and with end portion 84 of seat 98 rotatedabout axis of rotation 137 away from occupant support position 141.Transformable seat assembly 134 provides occupant of seat assembly 142additional usable space with respect to unoccupied transformable seatassembly 134. As a result, occupant as seen in FIG. 18, can extend theirlegs through to transformable seat assembly 134 wherein supportstructure 150, as seen for example in FIG. 19, can provide support tooccupant's legs. In this example, support structure 150 includes webbing152 secured to seat support structure 12 such that occupant of seatassembly 142 can have their legs supported with webbing 155.

In referring to FIG. 17, transformable seat assembly 134 includes seatsupport structure 12 and seat 98 connected to seat support structure 12with hinge 136 having axis of rotation 137 which includes torsion spring144 providing for rotation of seat 98 relative to seat support structure12. Transformable seat assembly 134 further includes back supportstructure 14 connected to seat support structure 12 and back supportstructure 14 extends in upward direction 120 relative to seat supportstructure 12. Torsion spring 144 is positioned on front portion F ofseat support structure 12 spaced apart from back support structure 14 indirection 86 away from back support structure 14. Torsion spring 144resiliently maintains seat 98 extending away from seat support structurein deployed position 135. Lumbar cushion 40 is removably positioned inoverlying position relation to back support structure 14. When seat 98is occupied, as seen in FIG. 17, with seat assembly 142, seat 98 rotatesabout axis of rotation 137 of torsion spring 144 from deployed position135 as seen in FIG. 17 with respect to transformable seat assembly 134,to occupant support position 141 with respect to seat assembly 142, withseat support structure 12 providing support to seat 98. When the seatbecomes unoccupied, torsion spring 144 positions seat 98 with rotatingseat 98 about axis of rotation 137 from occupant support position 141,as seen with respect to seat assembly 142, to deployed position 135wherein seat 98 extends away from seat support structure. Thispositioning of seat 98 in deployed position 135 with seat 98 unoccupiedprovides many benefits to those for example who service an aircraft. Thedeployed position 135 provides for ease in cleaning underneath seats aswell as for ease with respect to routine inspections.

In referring to FIG. 20, method 158 for transforming transformable seatassembly, includes step 160 of removing lumbar cushion 40 from backsupport structure 14, wherein back support structure 14 defines opening151 through back support structure 14, as seen for example in FIG. 19,and removal of lumbar cushion 40 unblocks opening 151.

Method 158 further includes step 162 of rotating a seat 78, which isconnected to seat support structure 12 with hinge 80 defining axis ofrotation 79, such that seat 78 is rotated about axis of rotation 79 fromoccupant support position 87, with seat 78 overlying seat supportstructure 12, to deployed position 85 wherein seat 78 extends away fromseat support structure 12.

Step 160 of removing lumbar cushion 40 further includes disengaginglumbar cushion 40 from at least one of back cushion 38 secured to theback support structure 14 or back support structure 14. Disengaging inthis example includes unsecuring releasably secured lumbar cushion 40from one of back support structure 14 or back cushion 38 as discussedearlier with respect to lumbar cushion 40 being releasably secured toback support structure 14 or back cushion 38. Back support structure 14defines opening 151, as seen for example in FIG. 19, with first supportstructure 95 of back support structure 14 spaced apart from secondsupport structure 97 of back support structure 14. Step 162 of rotatingseat 78 includes end portion 84 of seat 78 positioned closer to backsupport structure 14 than hinge 80 with seat 78 in occupant supportposition 87, rotates in upward direction 82 away from seat supportstructure 12 and in direction 86 away from back support structure 14.Method 158 provides occupant of a seat assembly positioned adjacent andbehind an unoccupied transformable seat assembly to access usable spaceof an unoccupied transformable seat assembly to enhance the occupant'scomfort.

In referring to FIGS. 13-15, fourth example of transformable seatassembly 94 is shown in which fourth example of transformable seatassembly 94 includes seat support structure 12 and seat 98 connected toseat support structure 12 with first hinge 100, having first axis ofrotation 101 which provides for rotation of seat 98 relative to seatsupport structure 12. In this example, seat 98 includes seat cushion 34.Back support structure 14 is connected to seat support structure 12, inthis example, with hinge 16 and back support structure 14 is positionedon back side B of seat support structure 12. Back support structure 14further includes back cushion 38 secured to back support structure 14.First hinge 100 is positioned on an opposing front side F of seatsupport structure 12.

Seat 98 has front end portion 102 and rear end portion 104 such thatwith seat 98 of fourth example of transformable seat assembly 94 in anoccupant support position 87, as seen in FIG. 13, rear end portion 104is positioned closer to back support structure 14 than front end portion102. As seen in FIG. 11, front end portion 102 of seat 98 is positionedoverlying first hinge 100. In this example, first hinge 100 includes atorsion spring 106 with first arm 108 of torsion spring 106 positionedagainst seat 98 and second arm 110 positioned against seat supportstructure 12. Front end portion 102 of seat 98 is positioned overlyingfirst hinge 100.

Fourth example of transformable seat assembly 94 further includes wallmember 112 having first end portion 114 connected to back supportstructure 14 with second hinge 116 having second axis of rotation 117.Transformable seat assembly 94 is rotatable about first axis of rotation101 from an occupant support position 87 overlying seat supportstructure 12, as seen in FIG. 13 to deployed position 119 extending awayfrom seat support structure 12. Wall member 112 is rotatable aboutsecond axis of rotation 117 from an overlying position with respect tothe back support structure 14 to wall member 112 extending away fromback support structure 14 as seen in FIG. 15.

Lumbar cushion 40 is secured to wall member 112. With seat 98 inoccupant support position 87, as seen in FIG. 13, lumbar cushion 40extends between back cushion 38 and seat cushion 34. With fourth exampleof transformable seat assembly 94 unoccupied, occupant of seat assembly96, positioned behind and adjacent to fourth example of transformableseat assembly 94, can optimize use of unoccupied fourth example oftransformable seat assembly 94 with rotation of second opposing endportion 118 of wall member 112. Wall member 112 rotates about secondaxis of rotation 117 of second hinge 116 and lumbar cushion 40 rotateswith wall member 112. Second opposing end portion 118 of wall member 112further includes third hinge 122 connecting wall member 112 to, in thisexample, second wall member 124, as seen in FIGS. 14 and 15. Second wallmember 124 further includes fourth hinge 126 connecting second wallmember 124 to third wall member 128. Third wall member 128 furtherincludes fifth hinge 130 connecting the third wall member 128 to seat 98wherein second opposing end portion of wall member 112 is linked to seat98 in this example.

With the seat 98 in occupant support position 87 as seen in FIG. 13,second and third wall members 124 and 128 fold with respect to eachother and are positioned between seat 98 and seat support structure 12.Wall members can be constructed from one of a number of materials suchas a film, plastic panel, metal panel and the like.

With seat 98 in deployed position 119 as seen in FIG. 15, seat 98 ispositioned extending away from back support structure 14 and in thisexample extending away from vertical plane V1, which extends throughcentral axis of rotation μl of first hinge 100. In deployed position119, seat 98 extends beyond vertical plane V1, the weight of seat 98 canfacilitate maintaining seat 98 in deployed position 119. With the use oftorsion spring 106, seat 98 can also be maintained in the deployedposition 119. In addition, with seat 98 in deployed position 119, wallmember 112, second wall member 124 and third wall member 128 arepositioned spaced apart from at least a portion of seat supportstructure 12.

With seat 98 in deployed position 119 and wall member 112 rotated aboutsecond axis of rotation 117 of second hinge away from back supportstructure 14, wall member 112 unblocks opening 151, as seen as anexample in FIG. 19. Opening 151 is defined by and through back supportstructure 14, for example, by first support structure 95 spaced apartfrom a second support structure 97 of back support structure 14. Opening151 provides access from back side BS of back support structure 14 tofront side FS of back support structure 14 and to support structure 150of seat support structure 12. With occupant of seat assembly 96positioned behind and adjacent to unoccupied fourth example oftransformable seat assembly 94, occupant can access support structure150 through opening 151 so as to utilize space of unoccupied fourthexample of transformable seat assembly 94 to extend occupant's legs andrest them upon support structure 150 enhancing comfort to occupant ofseat assembly 96.

In referring to FIG. 16, method 152 for transforming fourth example oftransformable seat assembly 94 is shown, which includes step 154 ofrotating seat 98 connected to seat support structure 12 with first hinge100, having a first axis of rotation 101, from an occupant supportposition 87, with seat 98 overlying seat support structure 12, to adeployed position 119, such that seat 98 extends away from seat supportstructure 12. Method 152 further includes step 156 of rotating wallmember 112, having a lumbar cushion 40 secured to wall member 112 andhaving a first end portion 114 connected to back support structure 14with second hinge 116 having second axis of rotation 117, from overlyingback support structure 14 to lumbar cushion 40 extending away from backsupport structure 14 as seen in FIG. 15, as seen in FIG. 15

Step 154 of rotating seat 98 to deployed position 119 positions seat 98extending away from vertical plane V1 which extends through first axisof rotation 101 and extending away from back support structure 14. Inthis example, wall member 112 is linked to seat 98 such that with seat98 in deployed position 119, wall member 112 is positioned spaced apartin upward direction 120 upward from seat support structure 12 andextending away from back support structure 14. Step 156 of rotating wallmember 112 includes removing wall member 112 from blocking relationshipwith opening 151 defined by back support structure 14, as seen forexample in FIG. 19 wherein first support structure 95 is spaced apartfrom second support structure 97 of back support structure definesopening 151. Opening 151 provides access from back side BS of backsupport structure 14 to front side FS of back support structure 14 andto support structure 150 of seat support structure 12 as seen forexample in FIG. 19. As mentioned earlier, with occupant of seat assembly96 positioned behind and adjacent to unoccupied fourth example oftransformable seat assembly 94, occupant can access support structure150 through opening 151 so as to utilize space of unoccupied fourthexample of transformable seat assembly 94 to extend occupant's legs andrest them upon support structure 150 enhancing comfort to occupant ofseat assembly 96.

While various embodiments have been described above, this disclosure isnot intended to be limited thereto. Variations can be made to thedisclosed embodiments that are still within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed:
 1. A transformable seat assembly, comprising: a seatsupport structure; a back support structure is connected to the seatsupport structure with a hinge wherein the hinge defines an axis ofrotation; an actuator assembly comprising a cylinder and a pistonpositioned within the cylinder, wherein: the cylinder is secured to oneof the back support structure or the seat support structure; the pistonis secured to other of the one of the back support structure or the seatsupport structure; and a blocking member positioned within andadjustable along the cylinder wherein: with the blocking member in afirst position, the blocking member limits linear travel of the pistonin a first direction to a first limit position of the piston such thatrotational travel of the back support structure about the axis ofrotation is limited from rotating the back support structure beyond afirst reclined position; and with the blocking member in a secondposition, the blocking member permits linear travel of the piston in thefirst direction beyond the first limit position of the piston such thatrotational travel of the back support structure about the axis ofrotation is permitted to rotate beyond the first reclined position to asecond reclined position.
 2. The transformable seat assembly of claim 1,further includes a seat cushion positioned overlying a seat supportportion of the seat support structure.
 3. The transformable seatassembly of claim 1, further includes a back cushion positionedoverlying the back support structure.
 4. The transformable seat assemblyof claim 1 further includes a lumbar cushion positioned overlying theback support structure.
 5. The transformable seat assembly of claim 1wherein: the cylinder is pivotally secured to one of the back supportstructure or the seat support structure; and the piston is pivotallysecured to other of the one of the back support structure or the seatsupport structure.
 6. The transformable seat assembly of claim 1, theblocking member further includes: an opening defined by the blockingmember, which extends within and along a length of the blocking member,wherein a plurality of threads defined by the blocking member arepositioned along a surface of the opening within the blocking member. 7.The transformable seat assembly of claim 6, further includes a threadedshaft, associated with the opening defined by the blocking member,wherein the threaded shaft defines a plurality of threads compatiblewith the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member.
 8. Thetransformable seat assembly of claim 7, wherein the plurality of threadsof a first end portion of the threaded shaft engage the plurality ofthreads defined by the blocking member; and a second end portion of thethreaded shaft is connected to a motor.
 9. The transformable seatassembly of claim 8, wherein the motor imparts rotation to the threadedshaft, which results in linear movement of the blocking member along thecylinder.
 10. The transformable seat assembly of claim 9, wherein withrotation of the threaded shaft by the motor in a first rotationaldirection, the blocking member moves from the first position toward thesecond position.
 11. The transformable seat assembly of claim 9, whereinwith rotation of the threaded shaft by the motor in a second rotationaldirection, the blocking member moves from the second position toward thefirst position.
 12. The transformable seat assembly of claim 1, whereinwith the blocking member in the first position, the blocking member is afirst distance from an end of the cylinder such that with the pistonpositioned at the end of the cylinder, the back support structure is inan upright position.
 13. The transformable seat assembly of claim 12,wherein: with the blocking member in the second position, the blockingmember is a second distance from the end of the cylinder; and the seconddistance is greater than the first distance.
 14. A method fortransforming a transformable seat assembly, comprising steps of: movinga blocking member from a first position to a second position with theblocking member positioned within a cylinder of an actuator assembly,which includes the cylinder and a piston positioned within the cylinder,wherein: the transformable seat assembly comprises a seat supportstructure connected to a back support structure with a hinge, whichdefines an axis of rotation; the cylinder is secured to one of the backsupport structure or the seat support structure; the piston is securedto other of the one of the back support structure or the seat supportstructure; with the blocking member in a first position, the blockingmember limits linear travel of the piston in a first direction to afirst limit position of the piston such that rotational travel of theback support structure about the axis of rotation is limited fromrotating the back support structure beyond a first reclined position;and with the blocking member in a second position, the blocking memberpermits linear travel of the piston in the first direction beyond thefirst limit position of the piston such that rotational travel of theback support structure about the axis of rotation is permitted beyondthe first reclined position to a second reclined position; and rotatingthe back support structure about the axis of rotation to the secondreclined position.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the transformableseat assembly further includes a seat cushion positioned in overlyingrelationship to the seat support structure.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein the transformable seat assembly further includes a back cushionand a lumbar cushion positioned in overlying relationship to the backsupport structure.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein with the cylinderpivotally secured to the one of the back support structure or the seatsupport structure and the piston pivotally secured to other of the oneof the back support structure or the seat support structure, rotatingthe back support structure about the axis of rotation includes thecylinder pivotally rotating relative to the one of the back supportstructure or the seat support structure and includes the pistonpivotally rotating relative to the other of the one of the back supportstructure or the seat support structure.
 18. The method of claim 14,moving the blocking member positioned within the cylinder furtherincludes activating a motor to rotate a threaded shaft, wherein: theblocking member defines an opening which extends in a direction withinand along a length of the blocking member; a plurality of threadsdefined by the blocking member are positioned along a surface of theopening within the blocking member; a threaded shaft, associated withthe opening defined by the blocking member; the threaded shaft defines aplurality of threads compatible with the plurality of threads defined bythe blocking member; the plurality of threads of a first end portion ofthe threaded shaft engages the plurality of threads defined by theblocking member and a second end portion of the threaded shaft isconnected to the motor; and rotating of the threaded shaft impartslinear movement of the blocking member along the cylinder.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein rotating the threaded shaft in a firstrotational direction moves the blocking member from the first positionto the second position.
 20. The method of claim 18, further includes,with the blocking member in the second position, rotating the threadedshaft in a second rotational direction moving the blocking member fromthe second position to the first position.